Strategy without execution is a document. This two-day course covers the operational reality of running a public affairs campaign: choosing and deploying the right lobbying frameworks, engaging stakeholders with the right tools, preparing for government meetings and managing the programme through to results. The focus is on practical execution — the things that make the difference between a plan and an outcome.
Lobbying programme frameworks, stakeholder engagement tools and tactics, government meeting preparation and execution, campaign management and coordination.
Every session runs in a small, boardroom-format group — typically six to eight senior professionals. Your trainer tailors content to the specific industries, organisations and challenges each participant brings, so you work on real situations, not generic examples. The learning combines evidence-based best practice briefings with structured discussions, practical workshops and peer learning. This is training with a coaching and consulting flavour — focused on building skills and producing outputs you can apply in your work immediately.
- Supervise and execute lobbying activities across multiple engagement channels
- Navigate the political dynamics of jurisdictions relevant to your organisation
- Deploy the full range of public affairs tools and tactics for different stakeholders
- Prepare strategically for meetings and encounters with government officials
- Manage challenging situations during meetings with policymakers
- Develop communication collateral that supports advocacy objectives
- Connect public relations, thought leadership and lobbying into a coherent programme
- Evaluate campaign effectiveness and adjust tactics based on results
- Key features of comparative political jurisdictions
- Evaluating executive and legislative powers in different jurisdictions
- Using insights in to your own jurisdiction
- Evaluating different programme approaches and tactics
- Understanding a variety of programme objectives
- Using case studies and workshops to identify the right tactics for your strategy
- Using communications tools to engage the media and political decision-makers
- In depth look at multiple case studies
- Building popular and local support
- Understanding how to negotiate the complexity of government
- Targeting stakeholders in foreign jurisdictions
- Honing messages for specific stakeholder targets
- Developing a deeper understanding of specific individuals
- Analysing relationship dynamics in different scenarios
- Adapting your message frames to different targets
- Understanding what makes communications
- Identifying and evaluating your communications assets
- Identifying and evaluating a range of tools and tactics to gain media coverage
- Using written materials to build media relations
- Managing press conferences, briefings, media workshops and press trips
- Building a thought leadership profile
- Understanding the psychology of the journalist
- Learning the rules of engagement with the media
- Understanding news cycles and news values
- Dealing with tricky issues and situations
Executives and managers responsible for public affairs, government relations or regulatory engagement who need to plan and deliver effective advocacy campaigns. Also relevant for professionals who have completed strategy training and now need to build execution skills.
The following are some of the ISOC trainers who regularly lead this course, depending whether you join us in London, Dubai or live online.
The two days build progressively, with each module combining briefing, discussion and practical exercises. The small-group format ensures every participant gets individual attention.
Nothing specific is required. If you have a current project or challenge relevant to the course topic, bring it along — the practical exercises can incorporate real-world contexts.
The course is designed for professionals with some existing knowledge who want to deepen their strategic capability. If you are starting from scratch, contact us and we can advise on the best starting point.
The strategy course focuses on analysis, planning and programme design. This course focuses on execution: the tools, techniques and management of a live advocacy campaign. The two courses complement each other.